Silver Denarius - Silver Collector Coins

Silver denarius, the coin reminiscent of a bygone era reflects the political, economical, artistic and social trends of the time in which it developed. It plays a significant role in history as it is the basic Roman coin at the time of Jesus. The coin was most common coin in circulation but was replaced by the antoninianus by the middle of the third century. The coin has many historical facts and memories which are interwoven to make it a priceless collector�s item.

The Denarius first issued at around 211 BC during the Roman Republic and the second Punic War weighed approximately 4.5 grams then. But it subsequently began losing its weight down the ages. It is not easy to ascertain Denarius� value for money in today�s world but 1 Silver Denarius� purchasing power with respect to bread is estimated to be around US $20 in the early empire which is the daily wage of an unskilled laborer. Its actual silver content was fifty grain (measure) or 1/10 troy ounces under the empire though it varied according to the financial condition of the state.

The coins issued in the roman age were made by pouring molten metal on to an �anvil die� that was kept in a horizontal direction. A �punch die� was then used to press the coin into its desired shape and type. This unique process which gradually gained popularity came to be known as minting or striking. This resulted in irregular edges and round shape. It is evident that a coin is defaced due to usage but sometimes the original dies used were themselves defective as a result of which the imprint were imperfect.

The greatest specimen of Silver Denarius is the one that shows the head of Emperor Titus (79-81 AD) facing right who is wearing a laurel wreath tied at the back of his head. The coin is so well crafted that the chiseled facial features and the muscular outline of the neck are remarkable. The reverse apparently portrays an image of Annona, the personification of the corn harvest who is seated facing towards the left. The picture presents her holding a scepter in her right hand which is the symbol of power and in her left an ear of corn signifying the supply of corn that was paid by the provinces conquered by Rome as mark of tribute. The coins of 2 cm diameter read the markings as TR.P VIIII IMP XV COS VII PP.

There are Biblical references of the Silver Denarius or Denarii (plural) which are very interesting to note like the Good Samaritan whom we come across in the Bible gave 2 Denarii to the innkeeper to pay for the wounded man�s expenses. There are other examples as well where we find a silver Denarii in the mouth of the fish which was used as a payment of Jesus�s custom dues and the silver Denarius show at the temple that Jesus was a part of which made him remark that Whatever belongs to Caesar should be given to him (Lk 20:24).